Aug. 21-24: Student 'Welcome Week' Activities Announced

Four days of activities planned for students before classes start Monday, Aug. 25.

Mankato, Minn. – Students will begin moving in to Minnesota State University, Mankato residence communities on Thursday, Aug. 21, and before classes start Monday, Aug. 25, four days of “Welcome Week” activities are planned for new students.

The four-day event (Aug. 21-24) is designed to help new students navigate campus, build friendships and experience college life before most returning students arrive. Students begin moving into residence halls Thursday starting at 9 a.m., with families of new students invited to a barbecue at 4 p.m. Thursday in Myers Field House.

Following family farewells, new students are invited to Thursday’s remaining events, to include an evening dance, a night-time campus “capture the flag” competition, Greek life introductory sessions, karaoke and other campus recreational activities.

Friday’s evening events conclude with star gazing from the Standeford Observatory, a pool party at the Highland Center Pool and swing dance in the CSU ballroom.

On Saturday, Aug. 23, activities include outdoor and indoor rock-wall climbing, free Maverick Bullpen bowling and billiards and the Minnesota Vikings vs. the Kansas City Chiefs showing in the CSU. There will also be a hypnotist show featuring Doug Thompson in Bresnan Arena followed by late night “Breakfast and a Band” in Myers Field House.

On Sunday, Aug. 24, new students will be offered assistance in locating their classrooms and campus resources with several “Find Our Class Tours” running between 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. “Welcome Week” concludes Sunday, Aug. 24 at 8:45 p.m. in Bresnan Arena in the Taylor Center with a new student rally featuring Ryan Penneau. An alumnus of Minnesota State Mankato, Penneau is the founder of Take Back College, a national college lecturing program geared at helping students be successful.